San Diego in Fall: Fun Events & Family Activities (2026)
Last updated on September 14th, 2026
Looking for the best things to do during fall in San Diego?
With cooler but still warm temperatures, clear skies, and a wide variety of seasonal events, the fall season is a wonderful time to explore San Diego. (In reality, there is no bad time to visit!)
I’ve lived in Southern California for more than 20 years and spent lots of time exploring all the fun attractions in San Diego with my family. If you are looking for the best things to do during fall in San Diego, I’ve got the full scoop right here, plus a complete rundown of all the events happening in the San Diego area during fall 2026.
Is Fall a Good Time to Visit San Diego?
Absolutely! In fact, fall is one of my favorite times of year to visit San Diego. While summer may get all the attention, locals know that September through November offers some of the best weather of the entire year.
After living in Southern California for more than 20 years, I’ve found that fall strikes the perfect balance. The busy summer crowds have thinned out, the weather is still warm enough for outdoor adventures, and the city feels a little more relaxed.
One of the biggest perks of visiting in the fall is that many of San Diego’s most popular attractions are noticeably less crowded after Labor Day. You’ll often find shorter lines at theme parks, easier parking at beaches and attractions, and a more relaxed atmosphere throughout the city.
If you’re hoping to save money, fall can also be a smart time to visit. Hotel rates often drop after the summer travel season, particularly in late September and November, making it easier to find great accommodations at a better price than during summer in San Diego.
Save Money on San Diego Attractions
Theme park and attraction tickets can add up fast! The Go City San Diego Pass helps families save by bundling popular spots like the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park museums, and more into one easy purchase.
And yes, beach weather is still very much a thing! While much of the country is pulling out sweaters, San Diego’s beaches remain inviting well into October, and often into November. In fact, ocean temperatures are typically at their warmest after months of summer sunshine, making early fall one of the best times of year for swimming.
Families have an extra reason to plan an October visit thanks to Kids Free San Diego. Throughout the month, children receive free admission to dozens of museums, attractions, restaurants, and family activities with a qualifying adult admission. It can save families hundreds of dollars during a vacation.
Perhaps my favorite part of fall in San Diego, though, is the sunsets. With lower humidity and clearer skies, autumn evenings often produce some of the most spectacular sunsets of the year.
If you’re looking for warm weather, outdoor adventures, seasonal events, and fewer crowds, it’s hard to beat San Diego in the fall.
San Diego Fall Weather
San Diego enjoys mild and pleasant weather throughout the autumn months. Daytime temperatures are usually comfortable, with warm afternoons, cooler evenings, and plenty of sunshine. September typically sees daytime highs around 75°F (24°C), while October and November cool down slightly to the mid-60s°F (18°C).
September: Warmest fall month, great for beaches and swimming.
October: Still warm during the day, cooler evenings, generally excellent outdoor weather.
November: Cooler and more variable (you may see the start of the rainy season in November), but still pleasant enough for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Unlike early summer, when the marine layer often blankets the coast in what’s commonly known as “June Gloom,” fall typically brings clearer skies and abundant sunshine, especially during September and October.
Dressing in layers is key if you are visiting San Diego in the fall. Pack shorts and t-shirts for the day, with sweaters or jackets for the evenings.
San Diego Fall Activities
From outdoor adventures to Halloween thrills, here are the top things to do during fall in San Diego.
1. Go Apple Picking in Julian
Julian, a historic mountain town just an hour or so east of downtown, makes a perfect fall day trip from San Diego. From early September through October, it’s where you want to go for a true autumn experience (think apple orchards and fall colors) not found many places in California!
You can go apple picking at a number of different orchards and enjoy the cool mountain air. Some of the best orchards for families include:
- Volcan Valley Apple Farm: One of the largest U-pick orchards, known for its wide paths and easy access for kids.
- Crosscut Farm and Orchard: Mountain orchard retreat where you can pick apples, sip cider, and shop for crafts.
- Julian Farm and Orchard: Family-friendly farm offers a variety of fun activities for all ages, including a petting zoo, tractor-pulled hay rides, and yard games.
After filling your basket with apples, head into Julian’s quaint downtown to browse charming shops, explore local history, or enjoy a slice of the town’s famous homemade pie.
The Julian Pie Company is one of the most popular shops and there is always a long line of people waiting to buy apple pies, but we’ve found that almost everywhere in town is just as good!
► Travel Insight
Fall is the perfect time of year to experience Julian, which makes it also the most crowded. Get there early to find parking and avoid crowds. I also recommend choosing where you want to have lunch in advance (even that morning when you first arrive) and make reservations so you don’t have to wait for a table.
We almost always arrive before 9:30 a.m. because parking becomes surprisingly difficult by late morning during apple season. The first time we visited Julian in fall (on a Saturday!) we arrived mid-morning and spent nearly half an hour circling for a parking spot before finally finding one several blocks from Main Street. So be sure to get there early if you are visiting on a weekend.
Fall Highlight: Apple season runs from early September through October, making fall the peak time to visit for fresh picking and homemade pie. You’ll also get to experience some lovely fall foliage, which is rare in Southern California.
2. Explore Balboa Park & Its Attractions
Balboa Park is a year-round favorite, but fall brings extra perks. In October, many museums offer free admission for kids as part of Kids Free San Diego – more on that below! Fall is also a great time to explore the museums if you happen to be visiting on a day when the weather gets a little chilly or rainy. There are so many awesome museums, including many the whole family can enjoy.
Some of our favorite family-friendly museums in Balboa Park include the San Diego Natural History Museum, Fleet Science Center, and Model Railroad Museum. The San Diego History Museum is small but has some great exhibits, and it’s free to enter for everyone year-round.
The Balboa Park International Cottages, where you can experience the culture and authentic tastes of nearly three dozen countries from around the globe, is also a fun spot to explore, as is the totally free Botanical Building.
Don’t miss the Japanese Friendship Garden when visiting San Diego in the fall, where Japanese maples add a splash of fall color near downtown San Diego.
Fall Highlight: Kids Free admission in October makes exploring Balboa Park’s museums and gardens even more fun (and affordable).
3. Pick Pumpkins at Bates Nut Farm
If you have kids, nothing says fall like a trip to a pumpkin patch. Bates Nut Farm – a longtime favorite of San Diego locals – offers a classic pumpkin patch experience with tractor rides, straw mazes, hay rides, pony rides, a petting zoo, and thousands of pumpkins ready to pick. It is a fun event for the whole family.
From September 17 through October 31, 2026, the Pumpkin Patch is open daily, and on weekends you can enjoy live music, food vendors, and fall-themed games.
Bates Nut Farm also has lots of other fun fall activities on various dates, including pony rides, craft fairs, a car show, and more! Check their website for full details.
Fall Highlight: The Pumpkin Patch runs through October, with special weekend events and live entertainment.
4. San Diego Zoo
The world-renowned San Diego Zoo is a must-visit for kids of any age. With over 3,500 animals, it’s an experience families will love.
Both the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park shine in fall. Cooler temperatures make the animals more active, and that always make your visit more fun. With fewer crowds and cooler temperatures, fall is ideal for walking the lush paths and watching animals up close.
► Visiting the San Diego Zoo is one of the city’s top things to do, but admission can add up. If you’re planning to visit multiple attractions in San Diego, the Go City San Diego Pass can help you save significantly.
The zoo is huge. With more than 100 acres to explore, plan on spending an entire day here so you don’t have to rush. Kids will marvel at the diverse range of animals from around the globe and enjoy interactive exhibits, animal encounters, and even a few rides like the iconic Skyfari Aerial Tram.
To help you get around and see everything the zoo has to offer, the San Diego Zoo offers the Kangaroo Bus – a complimentary, non-narrated transportation service that lets you hop on and off at four different stops around the zoo.
5. Catch a Fall Sunset
Fall is known for having some of the most vivid sunsets of the year. One of our favorite spots to catch a beautiful fall sunset is La Jolla Cove. Spread out a blanket on the grass above the cliffs or perch on the rocks as the sky erupts in hues of orange, pink, and purple.
But if you can’t make it to La Jolla, no worries! Anywhere along the coast can be spectacular. We’ve watched the sky light up in brilliant shades of orange, pink, and purple from Mission Beach, La Jolla Cove, and Coronado, and it’s one of those simple experiences that never gets old.
Grab a blanket, pick up takeout from a local restaurant, and enjoy one of San Diego’s greatest free attractions as the sun slips into the Pacific.
Fall Highlight: Autumn skies often bring dramatic sunset colors thanks to lower humidity and fewer coastal clouds.
6. Take a Harbor Cruise
Fall is a great time of year to take a cruise on San Diego Bay. Set sail from the Embarcadero on a scenic harbor cruise that showcases the city’s stunning skyline, famous landmarks, and local marine life.
Kids will love spotting sea lions lounging on buoys, while adults enjoy guided narration and ocean breezes. Several companies offer family-friendly tours that are about one to two hours long.
We recently took the Scenic 90-Minute Narrated Harbor Tour with City Cruises. What I liked about this tour in particular is it is the same boat they use for their San Diego brunch and dinner cruises, so there is plenty of comfortable indoor seating as well as chairs outside.
Fall Highlight: Fall weather means calmer waters and crystal-clear skies, perfect conditions for sightseeing from the bay.
► Interested in booking a boat tour? We’ve rounded up the Best San Diego Harbor Cruises for Families to help you decide which one is right for you.
7. Hike Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Located right on the coast, Torrey Pines State Preserve is one of the most popular and family-friendly hikes in San Diego County. With its rugged cliffs, views of the Pacific Ocean, and rare Torrey pine trees found only in this area, Torrey Pines has so much to offer if you are looking for an outdoor adventure. Its easy-to-moderate hiking trails are perfect for families.
Fall Highlight: Cooler temperatures make it ideal for family hikes, plus during fall you can often spot migrating birds and calm surf below.
8. See San Diego on the Hop On Hop Off Trolley
Riding the San Diego Hop On Hop Off Trolley is the perfect way to maximize your time and get around, all while learning some cool facts about the city. Honestly, it’s a tour you can enjoy any time of year.
► Read our San Diego Hop On Hop Off Trolley Guide to see why it’s the best way to see San Diego in one day.
The fully narrated bus tour lets you get on and off at any of 11 stops, including Balboa Park, San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, Coronado Island, USS Midway, Old Town, Little Italy, and many more.
This is the one tour I always recommend to people visiting San Diego, especially if it is their first time. If for no other reason, riding over the Coronado Bridge in an open-air trolley is exhilarating.
►Grab your discount tickets for the Hop On Hop Off San Diego Old Town Trolley Tour
9. Cabrillo National Monument
Located just 10 miles away from downtown San Diego on the Point Loma Peninsula, Cabrillo National Monument honors Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo – the first European explorer to arrive on the West Coast. Visiting this National Park Service site is one of the top things to do in San Diego, and a great thing to do in the fall season thanks to the crisp, clear weather.
In addition to visiting the monument, you can also walk to the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, built in 1855, as well as explore the visitor center exhibits. There are also hiking trails that lead down to the epic tide pools.
If you happen to be visiting late in the season, November is the start of whale watching season in San Diego, and you can often catch glimpses of them from the shore.
Cabrillo National Monument is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The fee to enter is $20 per car, or you can use an America the Beautiful Pass which will get you into any national park.
10. Stroll Through Coronado
While Coronado is renowned for its year-round beauty, fall brings a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere perfect for exploring. There are so many fun things to do in Coronado! Enjoy time on the beach, visit the historic Hotel del Coronado, bike around the island, or enjoy relaxed seaside dining.
The island’s mild fall weather and fewer crowds make it an ideal autumn getaway.
Also, Holidays at the Del begin in November, so if you are visiting San Diego in late fall, be sure to stop by the hotel for this amazing experience! In addition to amazing holiday decorations, Christmas at Hotel del Coronado include an ice skating rink, beachside igloos, a nightly light show, and holiday movies on the beach.
Fall Highlight: Coronado’s serene ambiance and pleasant temperatures during fall provide a peaceful retreat with scenic views and charming streets to explore.
11. Check out Haunted Attractions in San Diego
If Halloween scares are your thing, there are a number of cool ghost tours you can check out. These are especially fun and spooky if you are visiting San Diego in October right around Halloween.
- The Haunted Trail at Balboa Park: This mile-long outdoor trail through dark pines and oaks is designed for older kids, teens, and adults who want spine-tingling scares.
- The Whaley House Museum: Known as one of the most haunted houses in America, the Whaley House offers special tours and paranormal experiences throughout October.
- The Haunted San Diego Ghost Tour is my personal favorite, and one I highly recommend. Explore San Diego’s haunted history in both the Gaslamp Quarter and Old Town areas of San Diego, with access into several buildings. This is the only ghost tour that takes you to both haunted areas of San Diego.
- San Diego Ghosts & Gravestones Tour: A nighttime trolley tour that will take you to Pioneer Park, El Campo Santo Cemetery, and the Whaley House courtyard where you’ll learn about some of San Diego’s most famous haunts.
► Be sure to check out all these chilling San Diego Ghost Tours.
12. Visit Seaport Village
Seaport Village San Diego is a 14-acre waterfront shopping, dining, and entertainment destination, home to more than 50 unique shops and restaurants. Seaport Village comes alive in the fall with festive decor, live music, themed weekends, and Halloween fun for all ages.
Kids can enjoy crafts, balloon artists, and strolling entertainers, while parents explore artisan shops or grab a bite at one of the many seaside restaurants with sunset views.
If you are in Seaport Village and want to hop on a great tour, I recommend the San Diego Seal Tour. This kid-friendly tour is awesome because it travels on both land and water!
The amphibious bus departs from the heart of Seaport Village and takes you on a tour of the city before slipping into San Diego Bay for a ride past SeaWorld and other waterfront points of interest. It is like two tours in one, and a huge hit if you are traveling with kids.
► The San Diego Seal Tour is one I highly recommend because it combines sights on both land and sea in one unique experience! The tour departs several times a day from Seaport Village. Book discount tickets here for the San Diego Seal Tour.
Fall Highlight: Free events throughout the fall and sunset strolls by the bay.
Fall Events & Festivals
We’ve talked about some of San Diego’s top fall activities you can enjoy as a family, now here are some special events happening this time of year you won’t want to miss.
Julian Apple Days Festival
While you can enjoy apple picking any time, you can only experience the Apple Days Festival two days of the year. Since 1909, this celebration of the apple harvest season invites everyone for artistic apple displays, gold panning demos, apple cider, kids’ activities, live entertainment, and more. Late September and early October are the height of apple season!
LEGOLAND Brick-or-Treat
Throughout the fall season, LEGOLAND California becomes a Halloween wonderland with its Brick-or-Treat Monster Party. The event takes place on select dates September 19 through November 1, 2026.
This year the event will feature an all-new experience, Brick or Treat Steet. This interactive trick-or-treat experience features six life-sized LEGO Monster homes inspired by LEGO Minifigures.
Kids can wear costumes, trick-or-treat throughout the park, dance with monsters, enjoy LEGO character meet-and-greets, and enjoy special entertainment. It’s fun with just the right amount of spooky for younger children.
Howl-O-Scream
Where SeaWorld’s Spooktacular is family-friendly, Howl-O-Scream is only for adults or if you are visiting San Diego with teens.
Howl-O-Scream is a separately ticketed event at SeaWorld San Diego, with numerous haunted houses and scare zones, thrill rides, special bars and food offerings, and even a special show. Howl-O-Scream takes place on select dates between September 11 and October 31, 2026.
SeaWorld San Diego’s Halloween Spooktacular
While Howl-O-Scream is for older kids and adults, SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular is for everyone! It runs at the park on select dates September 11 through November 1, 2026.
The event offers pirate-themed trick-or-treating, pumpkin patches, shows, and marine life encounters — all included with park admission.
The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park
The Haunted Trail is a stroll through the park you will never forget. Located at Balboa Park, this San Diego fall event combines a 3,500 sq. ft. eXperiment Maze with a dense, mile-long Haunted Trail winding through shadowy pines and oaks in the park.
The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park will be open nightly from September 25 through November 1, 2026.
HalGLOWeen at San Diego Zoo
While there are many scary events happening around Halloween, this one is a totally family-friendly event perfect even for little kids!
Illuminate the spooky nights with Halloween-themed light-up displays and costumes at HalGLOWeen at the San Diego Zoo. When the sun goes down, the monsters come out to play with music performances by the Skeleton Band, acrobats by The Spiders’ W.E.B., fun variety shows, and a kids’ Halloween dance party.
San Diego Safari Park Autumn Festival
Celebrate fall at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park every Saturday and Sunday in October. The Autumn Festival features the park’s amazing wildlife, special entertainment, plenty of scarecrows, and delicious food.
Celebrate Día de los Muertos in Old Town
One of the highlights of San Diego in the fall is La Experiencia at Fiesta de Reyes, an immersive Día de los Muertos event in Old Town, running from September 1 through November 2, 2026. The event honors loved ones who have passed with color, culture, and tradition.
All season long, Fiesta de Reyes is filled with colorful decorations, traditional altars (ofrendas), Catrinas, skulls, marigolds, artwork, and other displays celebrating the holiday. Families can enjoy live music, traditional dance performances, face painting, and cultural crafts and exhibits. It is totally free to enjoy!
The celebration culminates with a traditional candlelit procession to El Campo Santo Cemetery on November 2. This is one of Southern California’s most authentic and family-friendly Día de los Muertos celebrations, held in the heart of Old Town.
► Travel Insight
If you wait until later in the day or evening to arrive on Dia de los Muertos, parking will be absolutely impossible, and you’ll waste time sitting in gridlock, too. (Unfortunately, I speak from experience on this!) If you are planning to celebrate Día de los Muertos in Old Town, get there early. Better yet, consider using San Diego’s public transportation system; the trolley specifically is a great choice.
Annual Pacific Beachfest
The only thing better than the beach is a beach fall festival! Drop by Pacific Beachfest to catch live music performances on three stages while enjoying food, drinks, and more right on the sand. And the best part is that it’s FREE! Pacific Beachfest will take place October 3, 2026.
San Diego Bay Food + Wine Festival
The San Diego Bay Food + Wine Festival is a week-long celebration of food and wine, set on the scenic Embarcadero Marina in Downtown San Diego. Meet local winemakers, taste dishes from renowned chefs, and enjoy activities – even some kid-friendly ones – like cooking classes and seminars. The event will take place November 1-8, 2026.
Beachside Fall Festival at Belmont Park
As one of many free things to do in San Diego with kids, Belmont Park at Mission Beach is always free to enter and walk around. But in the fall, there’s even more great reasons to visit.
Belmont Park’s Beachside Fall Festival takes place every weekend in September and October. In addition to park’s iconic amusement park rides, there will be cool displays, live music, and other fun, fall-themed activities. Plus, if you visit in October kids ride free all month long with the purchase of an adult wristband.
Kids Free October: A Month of Family Savings
Every October, San Diego gifts parents with an amazing treat: Kids Free San Diego!
Throughout the month, children 12 and under receive free admission to over 50 museums, attractions, and restaurants when accompanied by a paying adult. This includes popular spots like the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, USS Midway Museum, and Belmont Park.
Additionally, many hotels and restaurants offer special deals, such as free meals for kids or discounted rates for families.
How to Save on Your San Diego Vacation
There are a variety of ways to save money on hotels and tickets to San Diego’s many theme parks and attractions – including AAA discounts, military or student discounts, and bundling tickets through CityPASS San Diego. I recommend booking tickets and hotel packages through authorized seller and our trusted partner, Get Away Today. Get Away Today has discount tickets to many area attractions, and they offer a variety of ticket types to suit any budget.
Use discount code CFT10 to get an additional $10 off any vacation package when you book your hotel and two or more tickets through Get Away Today.
Final Thoughts: San Diego in the Fall
As summer fades and the crisp autumn air settles in, San Diego transforms into a quieter season.
Fall in San Diego offers the perfect mix of warm weather and festive fall activities, all with smaller crowds and lower prices than what you will typically see in the summer. Whether you’re picking apples in Julian, catching a Pacific sunset, or trick-or-treating at the theme parks, there’s no shortage of autumn fun for families.
Save These San Diego Fall Activities for Later!
Thinking about visiting San Diego in the fall? Pin the image below for future reference.
